Fed’s interest rate history: The federal funds rate from 1981 to the present
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
11 min read
Nov 07, 2024
Chris Kahn
Managing Editor, Surveys and Data Studies
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24year news veteran
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3years at Bankrate
EXPERTISE
- Surveys
- Data journalism
- Personal finance
EDUCATION
- Master’s of Mass Communications, Arizona State University
- Bachelor’s of Science (Physics), University of Arizona
- Bachelor’s of Arts (Anthropology), University of Arizona
About the author
Managing Editor Chris Kahn leads the data journalism for Bankrate. He works with reporters to gather, analyze and publish data-driven projects such as our True Cost Report. Drawing on his years of experience, Chris coaches writers and editors on the art of asking survey questions so that we can get the most out of our consumer surveys. He helps teams identify statistical trends and explain what it means for readers.
Prior to joining Bankrate, Chris managed opinion surveys at McKinsey & Co. and Reuters. He ran the political polling operation at Reuters from 2015 to 2021 along with the organization’s polling partner, Ipsos. Chris also covered personal finance at Newsday and was a national business writer at the Associated Press. He started his career covering the agricultural report for the AP in Richmond, Va.
Chris beyond Bankrate
Chris wants you to know
Readers will see Chris’ work on rankings like the Best States to Retire, as well as other data studies. He will also assist Bankrate with its extensive consumer survey program.
Chris's latest articles
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The Fed just cut interest rates again. Here are 12 key money moves to make
Rate cuts mark a new era for the Fed. Here’s what you should do as a consumer.
10 min read Nov 07, 2024 -
Fed Meeting Live Updates: What comes next for the Fed’s rate cut plans?
Follow along as Bankrate’s experts break down the Fed’s next interest rate decision.
32 min read Nov 07, 2024 -
6 key ways the Federal Reserve impacts your money
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
10 min read Nov 04, 2024 -
November Fed meeting preview: The Fed eyes another rate cut as elections, hurricane uncertainties loom
Some high-profile economists have called the Fed’s half-point call “a mistake.”
8 min read Nov 04, 2024 -
September Fed meeting preview: How big will the Fed’s first interest rate cut be?
Rate cuts are coming. Just don’t call this a low-rate environment just yet.
8 min read Nov 04, 2024 -
Survey: Nearly 2 in 5 cardholders have maxed out a credit card or come close since the Fed started raising interest rates
The majority said the experience negatively impacted their finances in some way.
11 min read Oct 17, 2024 -
Bankrate’s Q3 Economic Indicator Survey: Recession odds stay low, but unemployment is expected to reach 4.5%
Economists see a slower job market in the year ahead but recession odds remain low.
7 min read Oct 09, 2024